Singer who got viral roasting for 'Star-Spangled Banner' rendition apologizes, offers explanation for his performance
Some social media users are saying that a recent live rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" is the worst they've ever heard.
The performance took place Sunday during a baseball game in High Point, North Carolina, between North Carolina's High Point Rockers and the Sugar Land Skeeters.
The singer — Rockers employee Chuck Hayworth — was purportedly a last-minute stand-in singer, according to WHNS-TV.
During the performance, Hayworth sang, shouted, went off-key, and even forgot the lyrics several times.
Sports columnist Terez Owens shared a video of the performance and, in a news article, wrote, "I don't even know who this guy is, but he should never sing anything ever again."
Barstool Sports also shared the video, captioning it, "Quite possibly the worst rendition of the National Anthem of all time."
Hayworth issued an apology after video of his singing went viral, blaming the poor performance on a round of cramps that plagued him just prior to tackling the song.
According to WFMY-TV, Hayworth issued the statement on Facebook, which read, "To all who attended the game today, my sincerest apologies.
"Our singer could not attend today's makeup game," he continued. "I stepped in, but did not realize that the heat had gotten to me. My leg began to cramp sand [sic] you saw what happened. By no means was this any disrespect to our country or our organization, nor all those who serve it.
"Needless to say they have banned me from singing ever again at BB&T," he admitted. "I at least tried to continue with on field for the double games but was happy to see see all of you."
The team issued the following statement on the matter:
The High Point Rockers had a last-minute fill-in for their National Anthem singer who fell ill. The performer volunteered to fill-in on short notice following a last-minute audition. Unfortunately, due to a combination of factors, the rendition was not up to organizational standards. The High Point Rockers regret the incident and apologize to any and all Americans. The Rockers also believe that second chances are uniquely American and thus are offering that opportunity to the performer. Since Sunday night, numerous voice coaches have reached out to the performer and the organization, offering their services to help redeem the last-minute performer. As a result, the team will strongly consider having the performer back later in the 2019 season, based upon a consensus opinion of the voice coach, organization and performer. Any update will be released at a later date.
Quite possibly the worst rendition of the National Anthem of all time @Starting9 (via @T_Funds_) pic.twitter.com/rFDgyPmeZp— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 5, 2019
